Plants that Attract Birds to your Garden

It's possible to attract a variety of birds into the garden by choosing plants that provide food and shelter. Here are some planting suggestions to create a haven for birdlife.

Because of changes to the countryside – land drainage, cutting down of hedgerows and trees, increase in the use of chemicals etc. – birds are amongst the most vulnerable species to be affected and numbers are declining. Even the humble sparrow, once so popular and common in our cities and countryside alike, has seen a dramatic decline.

However, those who have gardens can create a haven for bird life that will not only provide food and shelter, but reward the gardener with hours of pleasure.

Gardeners Can Help Conserve Bird Life

In Britain, according to the government's Biodiversity Action Plan, the following bird species are amongst those needing all-year-round conservation help:

song thrush

spotted flycatcher

bullfinch

starling

house sparrow

Those who are fortunate enough to own a bit of garden can really help to make a haven for local birdlife, whether in the town or countryside.

Throughout the winter months we remember to provide plenty of food and water for birds, and in the spring perhaps we can provide nesting materials too. At the same time, we could think about plants that would be really beneficial to our local bird population and start planning our gardens around this idea.

PLANTS THAT ARE BIRD-FRIENDLY

Some suggestions for planting

The following plant types are particularly helpful in bird conservation and are suggested by expert, Anni Gatti in Gardener's World Magazine, January 2010. Of course, the size of the garden will be a factor when deciding on any particular planting scheme.

Plants with nectar

Many nectar-producing plants are useful for bird life because they attract insects, including hoverflies, butterflies and moths. These lay their eggs on the plants and birds can then feed the larvae to their hungry chicks.

Plants such as buddleia, achillea and campanula would make an attractive and useful addition to the bird-lover’s garden.

Some Final Garden Bird Tips

Here are a few tips to remember when planning a garden that will ensure birds are constant visitors:

Birds tend to spend their time at different levels so, if possible, provide varying heights of trees and shrubs to accommodate them. Tree tops are the preferred habitat for nuthatches and wood pigeons; robins and finches are happy at shrub level; wrens and blackbirds potter about amongst low-growing plants.

Never use chemical weedkillers and fertilisers in the garden. Use organic methods which are not harmful to birds and other wildlife.

Don’t cut hedges or climbing plants during the breeding season. You will disturb nesting birds who may abandon their chicks never to return.

My Own Experience

You don't need a garden...

Unfortunately I don't have a garden - but I do have a tiny balcony with a few plants growing. I have a bird feeder with mealworms and peanuts, etc. and also a container for fat balls. As a result, I have lots of feathered visitors to my minute space including black birds, robins, magpies, blue tits and chaffinches.

But please let me introduce you to my friendly wood pigeon who comes in for a visit every day!

A wood pigeon drops in.

K Duffy

Without a garden, if you have a tiny outside space you can still make friends with birds!

And even a window can attract birds using the handy bird feeders which are now available and which stick on to your window pane!

Comments

HelloWriterArtist - I do so agree that watching birds is a delight. I've become quite obsessed with it ! If I don't see 'my' wood pigeon for a day I get a bit anxious! Wondering where s/he is... Thanks for your post.

One day, I spotted a rare species of bird that I had never seen before in my small home garden. Planting tall trees attract one species of birds like crows whereas planting flowering trees will attract another species. Greenery attracts many forms of birds and watching them is a delight.

Hi Elias - Yes, I know what you mean about 'invading'! I have to be quite strict in my visiting allowance! Don't want poo all over the carpet...:) But still, it's nice to be trusted by a wild creature even if it is 'using me' as a food source! I agree that it is so amazing how quickly a tiny little habitat can attract wild life.

While I don't have a garden kathleen, I have a few plants which occasionally attract some birds. Unfortunately, the majority of them are doves. I say unfortunately, because they do have the habit of invanding (as your picture shows too) and there is nothing they won't do in order to find food! :) Great article and beautiful photos!

Birds need all the help they can get. Cats, cars and windows kill millions of birds every year in UK and added to the conservation issues you have mentioned, birds are having a hard time. I would add elder to your list of trees to plant. The blossom is fantastic in spring and the berries in autumn will attract large numbers of birds trying to fatten up before winter.